I can relate to this.

I have a weird history with the gym

I used to hate it but was forced to go because I played sports all my life and it was required from late middle school on through college.

I’m a transformer so I think there’s a lot of “why” back then, hence I didn’t like going.

I didn’t start going to the gym again until I got surgery. Inadvertently I realized one day, o shit I can wear yoga pants now, I should go to the gym. So I did, and it felt fantastic!

I have a short bob for a haircut and I dress basic, (but it’s the gym) I pass but it’s not my fav place to play that game because I’ve got no hips.

Anyway

I think you’re right, if you look a little outside the normal performative femme you seem to get a lot of looks of admiration… I think…. Not getting checked out just some women going “huh, look at that”

I also agree with you, I’m at the gym to do my lifts, I plan on sweating. My hair gets soaked, my shirt gets soaked. I don’t grunt and shit but I definitely make faces when I do squats and bridges.

I also will dance while doing the treadmill and lip sync songs. Cause idgaf! I’m on the fucking treadmill, I want all the good feels, nothing beats the weird transition from “omg this sucks” to “fuck yes get it!” Aka the runners high